.jpg)
On Nov. 12, the Nebraska Examiner reported the Executive Board of the Legislature is considering new security upgrades in the State Capitol building. This announcement comes in light of recent acts of political violence across the country and a growing recognition by state and national lawmakers to reconsider existing security measures.
Currently, the Capitol Security Division of the Nebraska State Patrol is charged with the safety and security of the State Capitol Complex, Supreme Court, Appeals Court, and Legislature. Capitol Security is staffed by a team of unarmed security officers and is supported by armed state troopers, with the number of state troopers fluctuating depending on if the Supreme Court, Appeals Court, or Legislature are in session.
A number of security measures are already in place at the State Capitol.
Security officers perform regular mobile and walking patrols of the Capitol Complex Area. Meanwhile, Capitol Security has a 24-hour communications center at the State Capitol that monitors panic alarms, fire alarms, cameras, access cards, intrusion alarms, and building maintenance systems. Metal detectors are also in place at the State Capitol but only for visitors seeking entry to court sessions of the Supreme Court or the Appeals Court. As of this writing, there are ongoing conversations happening between the Legislature, Governor, Courts, and the State Patrol to determine what security investments, if any, are needed at the Capitol. A reference point will be to look at what other states have done to improve security at their capitol buildings.
For example, according to a recent NCSL survey, at least 34 states use metal detectors and bag screenings at capitol entrances. Other states use a variety of other security measures including restricting the number of public entrances, using physical barriers and protective film on windows to prevent unauthorized entry, and improving the training of capitol staff and law enforcement with de-escalation techniques and active shooter response.
I am open to potential new security upgrades to the Capitol, but such upgrades must not be too restrictive that it impedes or deters people from visiting the Capitol. Nebraska is fairly unique in that, with the exception of a few technical bills, virtually all bills and proposed constitutional amendments introduced into the Legislature must receive a public hearing by a legislative committee.
Some measures currently being floated by the Executive Board, such as installing metal detectors near entrances or hearing rooms, potentially risk impeding or deterring visitors from coming to the Capitol to testify on legislation if implemented poorly. Ultimately, any permanent building-wide security changes involving a capital expense will need to be approved by the Legislature next session but will likely not be fully implemented until at least 2027.
Any costs associated with upgrading the Capitol’s security will also need to be weighed against the projected state budget gap, which currently stands at an estimated $451 million.
I invite you to let me know your thoughts or concerns. My Capitol office telephone number is (402) 471-2801 while my email is [email protected]. My mailing address is: Senator Barry DeKay, District #40, P.O. Box 94604, State Capitol, Lincoln, NE 68509.
